Waterfall Hikes Near San Diego, CA

3,046,560 residents

Los Angeles Time Zone

6 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

San Diego waterfalls run on winter rain, and by June most are down to a trickle. Cedar Creek Falls near Ramona drops 80 feet into a pool people swim in, 6.6 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of climbing. Maidenhair Falls hides up Hellhole Canyon in Anza-Borrego, six miles and 900 feet of gain. Green Valley Falls in the Cuyamacas keeps it short at a mile and a half, dogs allowed. Six falls sit within the radius.

Located at 32.8313°N, -117.1222°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Diego

Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Best Day to Hike

Monday

Sunny · 73°F

Fri 71°F Slight Chance Rain Showers

Sat 72°F Cloudy then Rain Showers Likely

Sun 69°F Rain Showers

Mon 73°F Sunny Best

Tue 75°F Sunny

Wed 75°F Mostly Sunny

Thu 74°F Mostly Sunny

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near San Diego

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near San Diego (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

Green Valley Falls

26.2 miles away

California

Easy

1.5 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around San Diego (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Cedar Creek Falls

24.3 miles away

California

Hard

6.6 miles 1,000 ft

Mildred Falls

26.2 miles away

California

Moderate

1.5 miles 300 ft

All 6 Waterfalls Near San Diego

Cedar Creek Falls

24.3 miles away

California

Hard

6.6 miles 1,000 ft

Green Valley Falls

26.2 miles away

California

Easy

1.5 miles 200 ft

Mildred Falls

26.2 miles away

California

Moderate

1.5 miles 300 ft

The Falls

29.2 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

LiDAR

Washtub Falls

30.9 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

Maidenhair Falls

48.6 miles away

California

Moderate

6.0 miles 900 ft

🧭 Day Trips From San Diego (11 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)

Everything listed above is within 50 miles of San Diego. Make a day of it and 11 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Hidden Heart Falls, about 58 miles away, and the tallest is Big Falls at 500 ft.

Distances are approximate, measured from the center of San Diego; the drive is usually longer.

Hidden Heart Falls

58.5 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

Hidden Falls

65.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.5 miles 500 ft

Andreas Falls

66.6 miles away

California

Easy

1.2 miles 200 ft

LiDAR

Monkeyface Falls

68.9 miles away

California

Drive Up

Unknown Unknown

Big Falls

70.9 miles away

California

Easy

0.7 miles 100 ft

Tahquitz Falls

71.2 miles away

California

Moderate

2.0 miles 350 ft

Silverwood Falls

73.7 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

LiDAR

Middleman Falls

81.9 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

LiDAR

Bonita Falls

84.5 miles away

California

Moderate

1.5 miles 200 ft

San Antonio Falls

92.1 miles away

California

Easy

1.4 miles 300 ft

Wolfskill Falls

92.2 miles away

California

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Diego

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Diego?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near San Diego, including Green Valley Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Diego?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near San Diego, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Diego?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near San Diego, including Green Valley Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near San Diego?

There are 2 waterfalls that allow swimming near San Diego, including Cedar Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Diego?

The shortest waterfall hike near San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls at 1.5 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near San Diego?

The tallest waterfall near San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near San Diego require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near San Diego requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Diego?

Yes, 6 waterfalls near San Diego have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Diego?

The closest waterfall to San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls, approximately 24.3 miles away.

What waterfalls are within a day trip of San Diego?

Beyond the 6 waterfalls within 50 miles, 11 more are between 50 and 100 miles from San Diego. The closest of those is Hidden Heart Falls, approximately 58.5 miles away.